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Can I eat in a home where the water used for cooking is not filtered? Answer: According to most Poskim, tap water in NYC must be filtered due the infestation of copepods or crustaceans. Thus, if one… Can I eat in a home where the water used for cooking is not filtered? Answer: According to most Poskim, tap water in NYC must be filtered due the infestation of copepods or crustaceans. Thus, if one isn’t filtering their water, you should not drink water in their home, due to the severe prohibition of Tolaiim. Extensive cooking and mixing the food, especially if blended, can crush the insects to the extent that they lose the status of a Briah - complete creature - and can become Batul - nullified - if it’s impossible to remove them.…Show more
One should not buy any fish from a non-Kosher store if the skin has been removed and you cannot identify if it has scales (and is actually a kosher fish). Some are lenient with salmon due to its color.… One should not buy any fish from a non-Kosher store if the skin has been removed and you cannot identify if it has scales (and is actually a kosher fish). Some are lenient with salmon due to its color. But this leniency shouldn’t be relied upon. The way to buy it from a non-Kosher store is to ask for the fish before it is skinned. In addition, if buying from a non-Kosher store, one should be aware that the knives and boards used there have non-Kosher grease on them. You should therefore bring your own knife and make sure…Show more
Expressing Mother’s Milk on Shabbos A nursing mother may feed her baby in the usual manner on Shabbos. This sometimes entails expressing some milk directly into a newborn’s mouth, and this is allowed on Shabbos, if necessary. In the… Expressing Mother’s Milk on Shabbos A nursing mother may feed her baby in the usual manner on Shabbos. This sometimes entails expressing some milk directly into a newborn’s mouth, and this is allowed on Shabbos, if necessary. In the case of engorgement, or other situations that would require a nursing mother to express milk when she is not feeding her baby, there are strict limitations. It’s a Melachah Min HaTorah (a Biblical prohibition) to even manually pump mother’s milk into a container for use, and it is Assur Mi’dirabbanan (forbidden by rabbinic decree) to express the milk in a…Show more
Firstly, one needs to ensure that there is no tearing on letters or designs when opening any package. If it is possible to open the package without ripping the letters then one may attempt to do so even if… Firstly, one needs to ensure that there is no tearing on letters or designs when opening any package. If it is possible to open the package without ripping the letters then one may attempt to do so even if there is a chance that he may accidentally tear the letters. The concerns of opening a band-aid or diapers for the first time on Shabbos touch on either the Melochos of מכה בפטיש or קורע or תופר. There is a Machlokes whether these may be stuck or unstuck on Shabbos. Therefore, one should open them before Shabbos, unstick them, and…Show more
Poskim address the subject of pasta that was first cooked and ready to eat as a regular cooked food, but then further baked, such as lasagna or baked ziti. The halacha is that in this case, it becomes Hamotzi*,… Poskim address the subject of pasta that was first cooked and ready to eat as a regular cooked food, but then further baked, such as lasagna or baked ziti. The halacha is that in this case, it becomes Hamotzi*, unless a large amount of tomato sauce or other liquid remains in the pan after baking. [*This doesn't apply to regular pasta that was first cooked and later simply reheated in the oven; in such a case, it remains Mezonos.] There are, however, two exceptions: If the pasta is egg-based rather than water-based, it is Mezonos. If the sum total…Show more
Q. When is the 7th hour that we're not supposed to make Kiddush? A. There is a dispute whether it is the seventh hour of that specific day or the seventh hour from the average midday. The custom is… Q. When is the 7th hour that we're not supposed to make Kiddush? A. There is a dispute whether it is the seventh hour of that specific day or the seventh hour from the average midday. The custom is to follow the average midday, with the time being the same throughout the whole year (adjusting to DST accordingly). [Some follow always 6:00 to 7:00 pm no matter the location, though it is difficult to comprehend this opinion.] The average midday is different in every location because it is based on the longitude of each place. In Crown Heights, the…Show more
Mentalist - If the performer clearly attributes their results to natural skills, such as the ability to read body language or to manipulate the subject subliminally through psychological suggestion, then it should be permissible. Illusionist - It is permissible… Mentalist - If the performer clearly attributes their results to natural skills, such as the ability to read body language or to manipulate the subject subliminally through psychological suggestion, then it should be permissible. Illusionist - It is permissible to perform, watch, or bring out an illusionist (which is done with Tznius of course) only if the magician explains to the audience that everything is sleight of hand tricks etc. and that none of the magic is real or possible. Even better would be if he demonstrates how one trick is done. Many Poskim permit if it is done…Show more
Question: My cleaning help saw a bottle of non-Mevushal wine on my dining room table, but she did not touch it. Can it be used for Kiddush? Can it be used just as a drink? Answer: The wine… Question: My cleaning help saw a bottle of non-Mevushal wine on my dining room table, but she did not touch it. Can it be used for Kiddush? Can it be used just as a drink? Answer: The wine is permissible. Some have a stringency - not rooted in Halacha - not to use the wine for Kiddush or other Kos Shel Brocho. Many Chassidim practice this stringency. Others are particular not to use it at all. Below is a brief informative discussion on the general topic: Wine Touched by Non-Jews Wine which is not Mevushal, boiled, and…Show more
Am I as a Bochur allowed to hug/hold/touch my 3 year old niece? Despite a common misconception, there are strict Halachic guidelines regarding touching, hugging, and kissing relatives of the opposite gender. In fact, these Halachos are often… Am I as a Bochur allowed to hug/hold/touch my 3 year old niece? Despite a common misconception, there are strict Halachic guidelines regarding touching, hugging, and kissing relatives of the opposite gender. In fact, these Halachos are often more stringent because Libo Gas Ba, there is a higher degree of familiarity among family members. Of course, different Halachos pertain to spouses, parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren. However, an uncle may not touch in a loving, friendly manner, hug, or kiss his niece once she turns three. The same applies to an aunt and her nephew, as well…Show more
There is no Halachic issue whatsoever with doing so, nor is such a Kepeida or custom to be particularly cautious about this matter recorded in any of the Seforim which list a range of “superstitions” in the realm of Shemiras…There is no Halachic issue whatsoever with doing so, nor is such a Kepeida or custom to be particularly cautious about this matter recorded in any of the Seforim which list a range of “superstitions” in the realm of Shemiras Hanefesh. While there are Torah sources which mention to be cautious in matters that people consider worthy of caution, it applies to matters which are rooted in ancient Jewish tradition, but not to “beliefs” which are sourced in general folklore and have no Jewish basis. See also the references listed here in the מראי מקומות tab. Show more
Question: Is there any reason not to give my Maaser to people who stop me on the street asking for Tzedaka? Is it a problem that they may not be Jewish? Can I give Maaser to non-Jews who ask… Question: Is there any reason not to give my Maaser to people who stop me on the street asking for Tzedaka? Is it a problem that they may not be Jewish? Can I give Maaser to non-Jews who ask for money, in the subway let's say? Answer: One must give Tzedaka, even a minimal amount, to all people who stop and ask for Tzedaka. See here and here for the parameters of this obligation. If they are not Jewish, other Halachos apply, as indicated below. In an area where most passersby are Jewish, one should assume they are…Show more
Question: I'm teaching in a school to girls who struggle in many areas. What would you suggest as basic Tefillos that would be the minimum the girls should be trained to say? Answer: Each case should be… Question: I'm teaching in a school to girls who struggle in many areas. What would you suggest as basic Tefillos that would be the minimum the girls should be trained to say? Answer: Each case should be determined individually by the Mechaneches. However, as a general rule regarding women's Davening, the following is a guideline what they should minimally say: (The Mechaneches can subtract some parts from this list if she feels that the class is not ready for all these parts yet.) שחרית: ברכות-השחר, ברכות-התורה, פרשת התמיד, פסוק ראשון של שמע, ברכת אמת ויציב (עד…Show more
Question: On which side of the Mechitzah does a transgender man (i.e., someone who was born a woman but identifies herself as a man) sit? Answer: While there are different opinions among the Achronim about the status of… Question: On which side of the Mechitzah does a transgender man (i.e., someone who was born a woman but identifies herself as a man) sit? Answer: While there are different opinions among the Achronim about the status of a person who R"L goes through a transgender surgery, the consensus is that the individual retains their original status. Regarding where to sit, she should sit in the women’s section dressed as a woman. Even if she doesn't appear completely like a woman, it would be acceptable to sit there in this case. On the other hand, sitting in the…Show more
Yes. But the necklace has to be made before Shabbos. It may also be worn in a place where there’s no eiruv. Sources: עיין משנה שבת ס״ה וגמרא שם במטבע פרפרה עליו…
Question: What happens if somebody buys your (a Jew's) bank note that you owe the bank and that person is a Jew himself (an attorney collection firm). Now he is suing you and is demanding back and future interest… Question: What happens if somebody buys your (a Jew's) bank note that you owe the bank and that person is a Jew himself (an attorney collection firm). Now he is suing you and is demanding back and future interest on the note that he purchased. He’s obviously doing this in secular court. What happens if the court orders you to pay him? You are a Jew paying interest to another Jew and you are ordered by the court of law. Would Dina D'malchusah Dina not apply in this case since there is an Issur of the Torah? Would bankruptcy…Show more
Question 1: When reading Shnayim Mikra, what is the correct way to pronounce Hashem's name spelled with two Yuds? This question is especially applicable when the Possuk uses Shaim Elokim and Onkelos still writes it as two Yuds. For… Question 1: When reading Shnayim Mikra, what is the correct way to pronounce Hashem's name spelled with two Yuds? This question is especially applicable when the Possuk uses Shaim Elokim and Onkelos still writes it as two Yuds. For example, in the first Posuk of Bereishis the Targum writes it with two Yuds, even though it's Elokim (though interestingly when both names of Hashem appear one after the other - like in the beginning of the second Aliya of Bereishis - he does write Elokim). Answer: You should pronounce the Targum exactly as it is written. So for…Show more
There are several reasons for leniency with regard to canned vegetables, sardines, salmon or tuna: Firstly, many vegetables are edible raw, where the Issur of Bishul Akum doesn't apply. With regard to foods that are not edible raw, there… There are several reasons for leniency with regard to canned vegetables, sardines, salmon or tuna: Firstly, many vegetables are edible raw, where the Issur of Bishul Akum doesn't apply. With regard to foods that are not edible raw, there are those who argue that canned food isn’t Oleh Al Shulchan Melachim, fit to be served at a king’s table. Alternatively, it’s not common to invite people for a meal over canned food. See Rambam Maacholos Asuros 17:15. These arguments certainly hold true with some foods, such as sardines. But is highly questionable if it applies to other foods. See…Show more
The Crown Heights Badatz has published a letter outlining their policy, available here. Listen also to Timely Messages #35, here: https://asktherav.com/voice-recordings-about-the-corovavirus/ #35: The Positive & Negative Side Effects of COVID-19 Apropos the letter from the Beis Din… The Crown Heights Badatz has published a letter outlining their policy, available here. Listen also to Timely Messages #35, here: https://asktherav.com/voice-recordings-about-the-corovavirus/ #35: The Positive & Negative Side Effects of COVID-19 Apropos the letter from the Beis Din and today’s episode, we share with you a recorded talk about this letter, focusing on proper safe internet usage (and also about utilizing this day Erev Rosh Chodesh appropriately). A brief addendum about safe app usage is also attached. Feel free to disseminate. Show more
Any sunken or protruding image used to represent the sun, moon or stars is problematic. At least half of the sun/moon/star should not be drawn. Some are stringent even with an incomplete sun. Many Poskim extended this prohibition to… Any sunken or protruding image used to represent the sun, moon or stars is problematic. At least half of the sun/moon/star should not be drawn. Some are stringent even with an incomplete sun. Many Poskim extended this prohibition to flat images as well. There is room for leniency when the pictures are: A) For education purposes and B) are incomplete (better minority image), and C) flat pictures. (See Question 2 below) Sources: Refer to Shulchan Aruch YD 141:4, Taz 13, Shach…Show more
Question: In Eretz Yisroel the predominant Minhag is that everyone says Shehecheyanu by the Bris and that L'hachniso is said before the Chituch regardless if they are Ashkenazi or Sephardi. If an Israeli Ashkenazi moves from Eretz Yisroel… Question: In Eretz Yisroel the predominant Minhag is that everyone says Shehecheyanu by the Bris and that L'hachniso is said before the Chituch regardless if they are Ashkenazi or Sephardi. If an Israeli Ashkenazi moves from Eretz Yisroel, do they still follow this Minhag with Shehechyanu and L'hachniso or do they follow the predominant Ashkenazi Minhag of L'hachniso after Chituch but before Periah and no Shehecheyanu? Answer: They should follow the Ashkenazi Minhag. Sources: .ראה גם אג״ק כ ע׳ שט. שו״ת דבר יהושע…Show more
*I want to add that there were candles that were lit that night in the house from other members of the family. Answer: You should light one extra candle every Yom Tov. If you don't feel comfortable to… *I want to add that there were candles that were lit that night in the house from other members of the family. Answer: You should light one extra candle every Yom Tov. If you don't feel comfortable to do it every Yom Tov, then you can light an extra candle just the next Yom Tov. You should take a good Hachloto to be more careful with lighting candles. Sources: בהקדמה שבד״ז נחלקו אחרוני זמנינו זה לכאן וזה לכאן,…Show more
One may carry on Yom Tov keys that are needed or that he thinks that perhaps may be needed on that day. Poskim disagree if one must remove other keys which are on the same key chain. In practice, one…One may carry on Yom Tov keys that are needed or that he thinks that perhaps may be needed on that day. Poskim disagree if one must remove other keys which are on the same key chain. In practice, one should be stringent to remove them. If someone knows for sure that the keys are not needed for that day or for now, for example when going on a walk Yom Tov afternoon he does not need his key to his locker in Shul, or if there is someone home that can open the door for him so that his…Show more
In this link, Rabbi Label Groner says that he heard on many occasions from the Rebbe that he does not allow people who ask him about wearing contacts to wear them in any conditions even for a short time.… In this link, Rabbi Label Groner says that he heard on many occasions from the Rebbe that he does not allow people who ask him about wearing contacts to wear them in any conditions even for a short time. The Rebbe explained that it is a danger, both hard and soft contacts. In Mind Over Matter, p. 344: The Rebbe’s secretary, Rabbi Leibel Groner, relates that the Rebbe refused to use contact lenses. Similarly, he responded to several Chabad women and girls: “It’s not worthwhile.” “Don’t use them (if possible).” “My opinion against using them is well known.” According…Show more
Yes, with your elbow or the back of your hand. Sources: .עיין סוף סימן שיא, ובאדה״ז סימן שח סעיף טו,…
From when one is ready to give birth, experiencing heavy labor, or can’t walk or stand without being aided or blood from birth is flowing, one may be Mechalel Shabbos in all matters needed for her health or comfort.… From when one is ready to give birth, experiencing heavy labor, or can’t walk or stand without being aided or blood from birth is flowing, one may be Mechalel Shabbos in all matters needed for her health or comfort. If contractions are consistent every few minutes, the same Halacha applies. (The above mentioned does not refer to traveling to a hospital which often needs more time - see here at length https://asktherav.com/going-into-labor-on-shabbos/). However, non-Jews may do Melacha prior to this stage - when she is in pain, or having contractions every 15-20 minutes. Things that are for relaxation purposes…Show more
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